Success talks. That’s how the NBA business works on and off the court. Being a savvy veteran of the game, the rookie coach, JJ Redick, knows the result-oriented nature of his job. Despite the Lakers’ NBA Cup success last season, it didn’t make Darvin Ham immune to sacking. So, how exactly is this Cup important? Perhaps proving a point is just as important as finishing the season in the playoff brackets for the latter stages.

Before heading into his first in-season tournament, Redick was asked to share his thoughts on the contest and being the defending champions. “I said it last year when I was an analyst that I think it’s wonderful,” the Lakers’ head coach stated after Tuesday’s practice session. He appreciated “the positive response from players, coaches, league, and fans” and believed it was a great thing to be the winners in the tournament’s inaugural year. He also showed excitement about being part of it this year.

This was quickly followed by another question. Since it was the tournament’s first year, the reporter mentioned that not many teams paid attention to the importance of point differential. However, this year could be different. So, the media wanted to know how the Lakers plan to manage it this time around. To which Redick had a simple solution, “All going to try to win basketball game.” The 40-year-old further claimed, “I’ll be honest with you, I’m going to try to win.”

A win in the tournament would spare him some of the criticism that followed the Lakers’ decision to hire him. However, Redick made it clear during his introductory press conference that he was not focused on proving those wrong who questioned the decision of his recruitment. Instead, his sole focus was on helping the Lakers win.

So far, Redick holds a better record (6-4) than Ham had in his first season (2-10), and given the squad’s performance, there’s a good chance he could have an even better season. And backing him up for the tournament win is an ex-NBA champion.

Former NBA star chooses JJ Redick’s team to win the NBA Cup

On NBA Today, when Kendrick Perkins was asked to make his pick ahead of the tournament, he responded, “I will not disrespect the defending champs of the NBA Cup,” and said he would be siding with the Los Angeles side. “I’m going with the old head, LeBron James, who will be 40 in December,” the former Celtic stated.

Perkins reminded everyone how the Lakers’ celebrated their win last season with champagne, believing they’d be eager to experience that feeling again. “And, damn it, JJ Redick’s gonna coach because he wants something under his resume as well,” he added. Perkins mentioned that the Suns were his second favorite in the group, but with Kevin Durant injured, the analyst is now leaning entirely toward the Lakers.

The Lakers’ success in the previous season has undoubtedly put pressure on Redick, who will be expected to rise to the challenge. However, before signing with the team, he knew exactly what he was getting into. But first, Redick needs to overcome another obstacle tonight, the Grizzlies, before entering the NBA Cup tournament on November 15.